RealGM Analysis

QB: Carson Palmer – Remember that this discussion is based on fantasy purposes, not real-life implications (i.e. 2 INTs from Palmer doesn’t concern us as much as it does NFL pundits). Along with the 2 INTs, Palmer threw for 414 yards and 4 TDs. Despite this performance, do not move Palmer up to QB1 consideration. He remains a talented player, and will have a few games with stellar performance, but Palmer is too inconsistent to be viewed as anything more than a QB2 for the duration of an NFL season. He could also be viable in a platoon situation, but the other QB would also need to be strong.

RB: Doug Martin – Martin’s throwing his name into the hat for fantasy MVP, with another out of this world performance. Dude’s on fire, what else can we say? His line: 25 carries, 251 yards and 4 TDs!!! Yes, the performance was against the Raiders, but still, that’s technically an NFL defense. Those who drafted Martin should expect lower-end RB1 performance going forward, as he continues to improve as the season goes on. Several strong RB performances this week, but Martin undoubtedly takes the top spot.

WR: Brandon Marshall – Usually a top flight WR switching teams leads to a decline in performance during the first season. Marshall has not fallen prey to such decline, perhaps in large part due to his previous experience with Cutler. After 9 catches for 122 yards and 3 TDs against the Titans, Marshall has re-established himself as a WR1 for fantasy purposes. Expect consistent, solid performances from Marshall to continue.

TE: Jermaine Gresham – So why is Gronkowski not here? Well, the Patriots had a bye this week – and as such, we were forced to peruse through the other TE performances. As for Gresham, he did not find the end zone against the Broncos, but did have a strong game with 6 catches for 108 yards. Gresham was pegged as a low end TE1, and remains at this grade as we move forward.

Unforeseen Explosions

QB: Russell Wilson – Russell Wilson has gradually been handed a more extensive playbook by the Seahawks, and he has done nothing to disappoint his team or his fantasy owners the past few weeks. Wilson threw for 3 TDs and 173 yards against the Vikings, and seems to be rapidly improving from week to week. At this point, Wilson remains a solid QB2. While it remains unlikely for Wilson to move up from this classification this season, his future looks very bright.

RB: Mikel Leshoure – Much to the chagrin of Stafford’s owners, Leshoure busted out for 70 yards AND 3 TDs!!! Who saw this coming? Not even Leshoure’s immediate family members could tell you this with a straight face. Leshoure should be on all rosters at this point, and as for expectations, he still remains as a high end flex/low end RB2 player. The Lions remain a passing team first and foremost, and Leshoure will be sharing carries on some level, so temper your expectations going forward.

WR: T.Y. Hilton – Hilton had his best game so far in his young career, with 6 catches for 102 yards and a TD. Hilton’s best days are ahead of him, and his performances the next few weeks are worth monitoring, but as of this moment, he’s not considered anything more than WR depth in very deep leagues.

TE: Marcel Reece – Alright, so we’re cheating here a bit with Reece, as he’s listed as a fullback. But, he doubles as a tight end at times, so we’re giving him the nod after his performance of 8 catches for 95 yards and a TD against the Bucs. Reece falls into the category of “better real-life player than fantasy player”, and shouldn’t be high on your list of waiver wire adds. But, he deserves some print for putting up some strong counting numbers this week.